Post Op Bone Graft

Post-op Instructions After Bone Grafting

Do you have jawbone loss? A bone graft is used to stabilize the jawbone to rebuild the width and height needed to support dental implants and other restorations. However, like any other surgery, the success of your dental graft depends on post-operative care. Westmoreland Family Dentistry shares essential tips to ensure successful healing and long-term stability after a bone graft.

• Pain management: After your procedure, it’s normal to experience minor bleeding, swelling, or discomfort. Use a gauze pad as directed to manage any bleeding, and apply an ice pack on the outside of your face in 15-minute intervals during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. DO NOT use ice beyond 24 hours. Avoid touching the surgical site with your tongue or fingers. Disturbing the graft can impact the healing process. Allow your body to do its job.
• Rest: Take a day or two off work or school to allow your body to heal. Also, avoid physical activities for about 3-5 days.
• Medication: Take all prescribed antibiotics as instructed to prevent infection. Ensure you complete your dosage to avoid bacterial resistance in the future. Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers can be used to manage discomfort.
• Grafting material: The dental graft can be sourced from your own body, donated bone, or a synthetic substitute. To ensure proper healing, the graft is over-packed with excess material. As a result, you might notice some gritty particles coming loose from the site, especially when biting. Don’t worry; this is entirely normal and part of the healing process.
• Diet: Nutrition is vital for healing, so your choice of food is essential to avoid wound irritation. Start with protein shakes, yogurt, or other liquids. Don’t use a straw, as the suction can dislodge the clot. Besides liquids, your diet should be limited to cool and soft foods. Think mashed potatoes, oatmeal, well-cooked veggies, scrambled eggs, etc. Avoid anything crunchy, hard, or spicy that could disrupt the surgical site.
• Be diligent but careful with oral hygiene: Oral hygiene is essential to avoid infections, but you’ll need to be extra gentle around the graft site. Don’t rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. Floss and brush as usual, but avoid the surgical site until it heals or your dentist says it is ok to resume brushing as normal.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Tobacco can severely interfere with healing and increase the risk of graft failure. Alcohol can irritate the wound. Avoid these substances altogether until you heal.
• Stitches: Unless told otherwise, the stitches are dissolvable, usually within four days or longer. Never try to remove the stitches yourself.
• Follow-up is key: Your bone graft needs monitoring. Attend all follow-up appointments so your dentist can ensure the graft integrates properly with your natural bone. Healing takes a few months, and the right care ensures your bone graft creates a solid, lasting foundation.